Topic: 3rd gen rears in rear of 1st gen

[4x4yota]

has anyone ever tried or thought about running 3rd gen rears in a 1st gen or even a 2nd gen?
I have been thinging about trying it but just wanted some feedback
they are 51" long compared to my 48" long stock leaves so they are 3" longer and would offer better flex than stock but not add lift (I dont want lift) and would essentually bolt up and move the axle back about 1" but can easily be moved forward that 1" and then a longer shackle (or relocated shackle hanger)

79-88 Toyota Rear
Flat length = 48"
Front Half = 20.5"
Rear Half = 27.5"

89-95 Toyota Rear
Flat length = 51"
Front Half = 21.5"
Rear Half = 29.5"

(measurements are estimates)
or even tacoma rear leaf springs?

[H8PVMNT]

I used some emu rears from my '94 for a RUF setup.  The ride is pretty awsome with those springs up front.  I'd go with Chevies of F-150s for a rear spring though since even with the 3rd gen springs you would be moving spring hangers anyway.  Somebody on here did Chevy rears with almost no lift.

Since a lift is not your goal though:  I am working on getting a little better ride from my 1st gen while staying as stock as possible.  My goal is as little lift as possible while adding some travel and improving the ride on very little $$. I think the main problem is the lack of uptravel in the front end and the rock hard bump stops.  I'm adding just a smidgen of ride height and going to some daystar foam shock bump stops for a progressive compression bump instead of that WHAM!! feeling.  I'm not quite done yet but I'll let you know if the ride improves.  

I think some emu suspension would make them ride nice but I'm not willing to spend the coin on a $250 pickup.

Oh and I think the Tacoma springs are way too flat for a 1st gen.  I've noticed way more broken springs on Tacomas as well, I think the quality is not there. I think you would lower it with Tacoma springs...

[4x4yota [OP]]

with 3rd gen rear I wont have to move any hangers just redo the bushings and then relocate the axle forward 1" back to stock position

but after reading around I might try to find if I can run reverse F150s with no lift, chevies would be nice but then I would hae to move my shackle hanger and that requires removing my rear bumper/2"reciever

[H8PVMNT]

I guess if they will go on the stock hangers without moving anything you might as well try the 3rd gen springs.  I'm sure they would have to ride a little better.

Here is what I've been working on for the front of my 1st gen to improve the ride there...



I am using one extra long thin leaf from a rear pack in the front spring pack and also a cheapo home made 1" lift shackle to create a little more uptravel without significantly stiffening the springs or adding much lift. I am still able to run the stock draglink and the torque rod with no bump steer. Altogether I've probably only lifted the front like 1.5".  I got a smokin' deal on some decent monotubes and added some of those daystar bump stops that go right on the shocks in the "soft" red variety.   

I must say, the daystar shock bumpers really improve the ride over smacking down on the hard rubber pyramid style bump stops.  You get a nice progressive bottoming out istead of that "1st gen feeling" we are so used to.  I still need to raise my upper shock mounts a bit.  They were set up for stock rear shocks and my new shocks are just a bit longer. I have about 1" more compression than the new shocks and bumpers allow so I will make the shock mount about 1" taller.  As an added bonus I am getting about 3-4 inches more down travel over stock, so the articulation is alot better and it sucks up the big potholes and drop offs way better too.

My goal is an improved ride with better trail performance without a real lift or any of the "real" parts, and to keep it cheap and stock looking.  I will be curious if your 3rd gen rear spring idea works, it might fit my build plan if it does.

[4x4yota [OP]]

right now my suspension is bone stock and so is my steering I have removed the sway bar and torque rod and dont have any problems with bump steer but my drag link is my limiting factor up front... the rear has good travel but is a bit to stiff I removed the rear bumpstops to help add more uptravel I want to keep it toyota so Id like to stay away from chevies/f150s and I think as soon as I find some decent 3rd gen rears Im gonna do it since I guess no one has done it I will be the first and hope it works